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Dr Olivia Wright
Dr

Olivia Wright

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 56116

Overview

Background

Olivia is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics and Director of Teaching and Learning at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland.​

Her work sits at the intersection of nutrition science, Indigenous food systems, the microbiome and interprofessional practice, with a focus on nutritional resilience, food sovereignty and personalised nutrition. She leads a coherent program of research examining how dietary patterns and food environments shape microbiome resilience and health outcomes, and how this knowledge can be translated into culturally safe practice, education and policy.​

This program integrates culinary nutrition, chronic disease prevention, Indigenous bush‑food and food sovereignty projects, and AI‑enabled analysis to improve the lived experience of patients, students and communities. Olivia has published widely in nutrition science and dietetics and works in partnership with First Nations communities, industry and government to advance understanding of how food systems can support health, equity and cultural continuity.​

As a recognised leader in teaching and learning innovation, Olivia plays a central role in shaping the next generation of dietitians and health professionals. She integrates AI, cultural safety, Indigenous methodologies and inclusive design into her teaching to strengthen student confidence, belonging and leadership, intentionally bridging education, research and community engagement so that evidence supports community‑led solutions and real‑world impact across health systems and society.

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, Queensland University of Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians Association of Australia

Research interests

  • Diet–microbiome resilience and personalised nutrition

    I study how dietary patterns shape microbiome resilience and individual variability in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes.

  • Culinary nutrition: translating evidence into practice

    I design and evaluate culinary strategies that turn guidelines into practical, tasty meals for diverse populations and clinical needs. Projects span high-protein enrichment, Mediterranean-style patterns, and cost-conscious meal planning, across the life course.

  • Culturally safe, sustainable food systems

    I co-design nutrition solutions that respect First Nations knowledge and promote equitable access to uniquely Australian foods. Research links cultural safety, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty to everyday eating.

  • AI-enabled learning and assessment in dietetics education

    I develop and study secure, culturally safe AI tools for feedback, simulation, and assessment design in health programs. Research targets belonging, capability building, and reliable evaluation of clinical and counselling skills.

Works

Search Professor Olivia Wright’s works on UQ eSpace

165 works between 2003 and 2026

81 - 100 of 165 works

2021

Conference Publication

Australian indigenous edible halophytes as potential salt substitutes

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Mantilla , Sandra, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Phan, Anh, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Michael E (2021). Australian indigenous edible halophytes as potential salt substitutes. 15th NZOZ Sensory and Consumer Science Symposium (A Virtual Conference), virtual, 9-11 February 2021.

Australian indigenous edible halophytes as potential salt substitutes

2021

Journal Article

Tecticornia sp. (Samphire)—A Promising Underutilized Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, Chua, Elvis T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2021). Tecticornia sp. (Samphire)—A Promising Underutilized Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8 607799, 607799. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.607799

Tecticornia sp. (Samphire)—A Promising Underutilized Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte

2021

Journal Article

Mediterranean-style dietary pattern improves cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot randomised control trial

Baguley, Brenton J., Skinner, Tina L., Jenkins, David G. and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2021). Mediterranean-style dietary pattern improves cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot randomised control trial. Clinical Nutrition, 40 (1), 245-254. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.05.016

Mediterranean-style dietary pattern improves cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy: a pilot randomised control trial

2020

Journal Article

Anthocyanins: “berry” much more than common plant pigments

Wright, Olivia R. L., Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Anthocyanins: “berry” much more than common plant pigments. Australian Berry Journal, Summer (5), 22-23.

Anthocyanins: “berry” much more than common plant pigments

2020

Conference Publication

Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – an underestimated fruit?

Netzel, Michael E., Phan, Anh D. T., Cozzolino, Daniel, Wright, Olivia and Sultanbawa, Yasmina (2020). Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – an underestimated fruit?. Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium (QACS), Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2020. Melbourne, VIC Australia: RACI.

Australian grown Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) – an underestimated fruit?

2020

Conference Publication

Edible halophytes—a novel source of functional food ingredients?

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Edible halophytes—a novel source of functional food ingredients?. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods, Online, 10–25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/foods_2020-07822

Edible halophytes—a novel source of functional food ingredients?

2020

Conference Publication

Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability

Netzel, Michael E., Dumler, Caroline, Weber, Nadine, Rami, Julius, Rychlik, Michael, Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Hong, Hung Trieu and O’Hare, Tim J. (2020). Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods, Online, 10–25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. doi: 10.3390/foods_2020-07670

Folate in Red Rhapsody Strawberry—Content and Storage Stability

2020

Conference Publication

Edible Halophytes – A novel Source of Functional Food Ingredients?

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Sultanbawa, Yasmina, Wright, Olivia and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Edible Halophytes – A novel Source of Functional Food Ingredients?. 1st International Electronic Conference on Food Science and Functional Foods (MDPI), Online, 10-25 November 2020. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI.

Edible Halophytes – A novel Source of Functional Food Ingredients?

2020

Conference Publication

Nutritional features of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) fruit

Phan, Anh, Cozzolino, Daniel, Wright, Olivia, Rychlik, Michael, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Nutritional features of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) fruit. 5th International Conference on Metrology in Food and Nutrition, Prague, Czech Republic, 16-18 September 2020. Prague, Czech Republic: IMEKOFOODS.

Nutritional features of Australian grown feijoa (Acca sellowiana) fruit

2020

Journal Article

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and chronic disease in Australia: national nutrition and physical activity survey analysis

Aridi, Yasmine S., Walker, Jacqueline L., Roura, Eugeni and Wright, Olivia R. L. (2020). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and chronic disease in Australia: national nutrition and physical activity survey analysis. Nutrients, 12 (5) 1251, 1251. doi: 10.3390/nu12051251

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and chronic disease in Australia: national nutrition and physical activity survey analysis

2020

Book Chapter

Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach

Wright, Olivia R. L., Phan, Anh Dao Thi, Hong, Hung Trieu, Netzel, Gabriele, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael E. (2020). Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach. Reference module in food science. (pp. 1-28) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-100596-5.22785-6

Bioactive anthocyanins in selected fruits – a foodomics approach

2020

Conference Publication

How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?

Netzel, Michael, Wright, Olivia, Hong, Hung T., Rychlik, Michael and O'Hare, Tim (2020). How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?. Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 17-20 August 2020.

How do delicious strawberries help us reach our folate goals?

2020

Conference Publication

A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.). 2020 Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Virtual Convention, Online, 23 June - 2 July 2020.

A potential source of functional ingredients: Australian grown Seapurslane (Sesuvium sp.)

2020

Conference Publication

Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Hong, Hung T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.). Science Week 2020, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17-20 August 2020.

Exploring the ‘functionality’ of Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Seapurslane(Sesuvium sp.)

2020

Conference Publication

Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh D. T., Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?. NSA Brisbane Group’s Virtual Research Showcase Events, Online, 25-26 August 2020.

Australian indigenous edible halophytes : Food crops for the Future?

2020

Conference Publication

Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins

Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2020). Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins. TropAg2019, International Tropical Agriculture Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. Basel, Switzerland: M D P I AG. doi: 10.3390/proceedings2019036064

Understanding the metabolic fate and bioactivity of dietary anthocyanins

2019

Journal Article

Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review

Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, E. O., Visvanathan, R. and Wright, O. R.L. (2019). Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review. Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 23 (5), 431-441. doi: 10.1007/s12603-019-1176-z

Malnutrition screening and assessment in hospitalised older people: a review

2019

Journal Article

New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment

Dent, Elsa, Hoogendijk, Emiel O. and Wright, Olivia R L (2019). New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 22 (1), 44-51. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000525

New insights into the anorexia of ageing: from prevention to treatment

2019

Conference Publication

Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)

Srivarathan, Sukirtha, Phan, Anh, Hong, Hung, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.). 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.

Nutritional profile and phytochemical characteristics of Australian grown Samphire (Tecticornia sp.)

2019

Conference Publication

Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo

Netzel, Gabriele, Wright, Olivia, Sultanbawa, Yasmina and Netzel, Michael (2019). Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo. 4th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium QACS 2019, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 29 November 2019.

Structurally different anthocyanidin-glycosides and their metabolic fate in vivo

Funding

Current funding

  • 2026
    Can Artificial Intelligence support hospital foodservices to prevent food waste?
    UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Conservative Management of bowel disorders in a Colorectal Pelvic Floor clinic: A Randomised Crossover Trial of Dietary management and/or Physiotherapy
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Creating game changing graduates in nutrition and dietetics through active learning, authentic assessment and student partnerships, using Entrustable Professional Activities
    UQ Teaching Innovation Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Naturally Nutritious
    Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    TrueNTH Australian Demonstration (TrueNTH AU)
    Movember Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Lactoferrin Trial - Additional sample analysis
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Development of a broader understanding of Vitamin D levels in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy to inform guidelines for post-surgery supplementation
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Cellular metabolic respirometry and enzymatic assessment suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    The Shifting Gears Project: Active Living and Healthy Eating in Queensland Truck Drivers
    Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2017
    The impact of micronutrients on gene expression: Prostate Cancer-Lycopene (ImoGEX-PC-Lyc)TM.
    Clinical Oncological Society of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Clinical and Nutritional Biomarker Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of the effect of functional beverages on body weight, blood pressure and body fat in overweight and obese adults (The QUENCH Study)
    Dr Red Nutraceuticals Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2010
    The Effect of Functional Green Tea and Coffee on Body Weight, Blood Pressure and Body Fat in Overwieght and Obese Adults
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Shedding more light on Vitamin D, obesity and insulin resistance
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Development of Quality Indicators for the frail elderly in acute care
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Food services in residential aged care: Financial, personnel, and service delivery factors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Evaluation of the impact of an online structured geriatric assessment system
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Olivia Wright is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Olivia Wright's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au